On April 19, UNC and our surrounding communities gathered with members of our University and state leadership to celebrate the grand opening of the new facility for UNC Horizons at Shelton Station in downtown Carrboro.

UNC Horizons has been treating new and expecting mothers with substance use disorders, while keeping the mother-child dyad intact, since 1994. Founded by UNC OB-GYN McAllister Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. John Thorp, UNC Horizons began with two employees. The program has grown to 80 dedicated employees, including Dr. Hendrée Jones, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and internationally known expert on substance use disorder and pregnancy.

This robust, innovative program with an evidence-based model of trauma-informed and gender-specific care has served thousands of women over time.

The new facility features patient rooms for prenatal care, substance use disorder treatment, maternal-child therapy, donations room and psychiatric care. There is also a 5-star Early Head Start child development center on site, as well as opportunities for career counseling and housing assistance. The celebration marked the first time that many of these facets of UNC Horizons’ treatment model have lived under the same roof.

Private giving and grant support, including support from the Oak Foundation, as well as federal and state funds, made Shelton Station possible. There is still more to be done. To learn about UNC Horizons’ programs, or to contribute, visit unchorizons.org.

Don’t miss this group of powerful stories that ran leading up to the event and covering the event: